Sourcebooks, a leading independent publisher based in Chicago, and the American Library Association’s (ALA) book publishing imprint, ALA Editions|ALA Neal-Schuman, are collaborating on a new series that will promote easy and affordable access to a range of general interest library- and reading-related content.
“ALA publishes a lot of content of potential interest and importance to a wider readership than the librarian and teacher markets we typically reach,” says Mary Mackay, ALA’s associate executive director, publishing. “We also have ALA experts who can work with Sourcebooks editors to develop material specifically for that wider market, such as fun ways to use ALA award lists to inspire book discovery or helping kids explore the library. We couldn’t be more thrilled about partnering with an independent publisher so genuinely driven by the belief that books change lives and that has long demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to libraries, schools, and readers of all ages.”
ALA and Sourcebooks will create new content together, starting with a series of one-year reading journals featuring titles recommended by editors from the association and its book review magazine, Booklist. The initial titles include 52 Award-Winning Titles Every Book Lover Should Read, 52 Diverse Titles Every Book Lover Should Read, and 52 YA Books Every Book Lover Should Read, scheduled to be released in December 2021.
“The American Library Association is the foremost national organization that provides resources to inspire library and information professionals, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them in publishing a wide range of books that will delight, engage, and inform readers of all ages,” said Dominique Raccah, Sourcebooks publisher and CEO. “It’s so exciting to be working with another Chicago-based institution on providing important content for readers around the world.”
Through a collaborative process between Sourcebooks and ALA Publishing editors, the first co-branded general-interest series title, Build Great Teams: How to Harness, Create, and Be Part of a Powerful Team by ALA author Catherine Hakala-Ausperk, is slated for publication in March 2021 under the Simple Truths Ignite Reads program.
This collaboration will showcase ALA authors’ and editors’ expertise with an initial goal of publishing up to six co-branded titles a year while utilizing Sourcebooks editors’ in-depth knowledge of the trade market and the company’s outstanding record of reach into that market.
The material published will include topics for a range of age groups, such as recommended book and media lists (including approaches and materials that center around marginalized communities), literacy development, personal digital archiving, genealogy research, management tips, and using the library.
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